The researchers are contributing to the decreased pain sensitivity to the “extreme” position in which one holds themselves during a Zen meditation practice as well as the ability to reduce the rate of the breath. The average breath rate of a Zen meditator was 12 breaths per minute compared to the an average 15 breaths a minute for non-meditatiors. The results concluded that Zen meditators have an 18% reduction in pain sensitivity overall.

This study provides specific proof that Zen meditation plays a significant role in the structure and ability of our physical body, an aspect of many styles of meditation and hatha yoga that modern science is continuing to validate. This study is yet another example of how the western psychological and medical fields are increasingly developing a body of research that prove the positive effects of what were once considered etheric practices.

Because so many practitioners are initially drawn to these practices to deal with physical and mental ailments, this compendium of research is allowing the reach of these highly beneficial practices to stretch beyond the stereotypical practitioner. It does place a greater responsibility on the teachers of these practices, though, to be aware and knowledgeable about the physical aspects of the practices in addition to what would be considered more etheric by many. For every study that further proves the positive effects of these practices, the bar is raised on its teachers and students.

This, in my opinion, is not a negative thing. In Sanskrit, the term, which refers to elevating our level of knowledge and responsibility is Adhikara. Some traditions and styles refer to it as studentship, while others define it as qualification. As the positive benefits of meditation and yoga become more and more scientifically proven, those who choose to share it become more and more responsible for elevating their level of understanding. Our knowledge of the physical body and the effects of practice are put to the test every time we have a new student with an ailment or injury step into our class, but as teachers and dedicated practitioners, we are also called to advance our level of subtle understanding of the power and potential results of the practices which we teach.

I would offer that in addition to gross physiological reactions of the body in response to practices like Zen meditation and many others like it, that these experiences also affect subtle aspects of our experience, which make us less likely to focus (or feel) the negative. Committed practices put us more in touch with the positive aspects of the human experience, and teach us to concentrate less on the negative. So the tendency to feel pain, on any level, is lessened because our overall balance is heightened. When we take the time to tap deeply into ourselves, we are less influenced by superficial difficulties and distractions. So as we increase our own level of Adhikara, we not only become more aware of the ways in which we can help others through our chosen practices, but we also model the behavior of a committed practitioner and in that way support all of the beneficial aspects of practice.

Kelly has been a student and practitioner of yoga for over a decade, and through the exploration of the physical and philosophical practices, yoga has touched every aspect of her life in a positive way. In her sharing of yoga, she strives to inspire in others the peace, well being, balance, harmony, and understanding that yoga has brought to her own life. Kelly graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1998 with a degree in Creative Writing. Following college she did freelance writing and editing before turning her focus more completely toward yoga and rearing a family.

There are 5 comments so far

We’ve known for a long time that regular practice introduces sometimes-dramatic changes in the nature of awareness. ‘Thickening’ of grey matter, which one assumes involves increased neural connectivity, means more awareness, more intelligence, and perhaps as a direct result, a greater pain threshold.

But the real import of this kind of research rebounds onto us teachers and practitioners. ‘Qualification’ and the responsibility that goes with it must now include scientific knowledge and deep knowledge of the tradition. Yes indeed. In the 21st century, it will no longer suffice simply to know how to get into chaturanga without damaging the organism.

Thank you so much for sparking this interesting discussion! This post seems especially important in light of the idea that our practices of yoga and meditation have a great effect on our overall wellness. The increase of one’s pain threshold as a result of the practice of meditation seems a telling marker of how what happens on the mat or in consecrated moments of meditative silence can have far-reaching effects on our daily lives. How inspiring!

This article is very interesting and taught me something new. I had no idea that the art of meditation could ultimately increase the pain threshold. This article encourages me to practice more meditation.

Nice article Kelly. Since starting your class, I have noticed a tremendous increase in this area. My daily meditation practices have grown in length and intensity since last year, and I have noticed that I’m getting stronger outside as well as inside. When I workout now, thanks to my daily meditation, I can exercise for longer periods of time without getting as tired or as soar as I would have in the past. I have noticed the ability to block out my pain when exercising more than I ever could. Thanks for all you have done for me and my practice.

A great article thank you for sharing – something that I would like to add to your portion on not focusing on the negative, from my experience this largely blossoms through a refining of attention in the awareness meditation practice. As you repeatedly practice shifting your attention back to your breath and the stillness of your body when your thought has taken you, you enforce that ability to be engaged at anytime in need.
This is something that I explore in my blog and is an integral part of the awareness meditative techniques.
Thank you for sharing!

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